"That hurts their cases on some level” - Pundit discusses potential hurdles for Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in race for MLS award
MLS pundit Taylor Twellman has pointed out the one big hurdle that might prevent Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez from winning the prestigious MLS MVP award at the end of the season. The two superstars have been part of the best MLS season in Inter Miami's history.
The Herons have already bagged the Supporter's Shield and are currently MLS Eastern Conference table toppers with 64 points in 30 games. With the end of the season on the horizon, the race for the MLS MVP is starting to heat up.
While Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are two top contenders, Taylor Twellman has explained how Inter Miami's success could ruin their chances of getting the award.
Speaking on Twellman's Takes, the former New England striker claimed that Inter Miami currently boasts the deepest and best-ever squad in MLS history. The team's performance has been more instrumental this season than the individual brilliance of Messi and Suarez according to him.
“I love having a good debate, especially when it comes to MVP in MLS, and Suarez and Messi have their own cases, own arguments, strong ones, but when it’s all said and done, that is the most complete and deepest roster in MLS history, and I think that hurts their cases on some level,” said Taylor Twellman.
MLS has historically handed out the MVP award to players who have been the most impactful for their team in the respective season. Recent winners include Lucho Acosta, Hany Mukhtar, and Carles Gill.
Although superstars like Carlos Vela and David Villa have also secured the honor, these came in seasons where they have been the major difference-makers.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez's MLS 2024 season so far in numbers
Lionel Messi's second season at Inter Miami has been filled with injuries but that hasn't stopped the talismanic Argentine from making a difference whenever he has gotten the chance.
In 15 MLS games this season, Lionel Messi has registered 14 goals and 10 assists, maintaining an average goal contribution of 1.6 per game. However, the Argentine has been sidelined in 10 league games due to injury.
Lionel Messi couldn't play for two months after the 2024 Copa America because of an ankle injury he picked up in the tournament's final (July 14) against Colombia. He also missed four league games in March because of muscular problems.
Luis Suarez, meanwhile, has been a regular starter for The Herons, scoring 17 goals and six assists in 23 MLS games so far. The former Barcelona striker joined Inter Miami from Gremio in January 2024 and has taken no time to get acclimatized with the Fort Lauderdale outfit.
The Messi-Suarez connection has been another blessing for Inter Miami. In 17 games this season, the two have combined to score a whopping 11 goals.